Great report - I did the same thing with missing the mark on the tree on my first solo trip, many years ago. Lost the trail where it crossed a field, walked up and down the woods line trying to find, finally panicked and forced myself to stop and calm down, and when I stood up, the mark I was hunting was on the tree I'd been leaning against. I think those signs have invisibility powers and do that just to humble us.

You said your sleeping bag slowed you down getting out of camp. Next time it happens, if it's just a bit of dampness in one spot, go ahead and pack it, and hit the trail When you stop for lunch, lay the bag on a rock or log that's exposed to sunlight, and it will dry pretyt quickly (the sunllight's stronger and warmer by then.)

All in all, sounds like you planned well, and the trip sounds like you had a lot of fun.

It sounds like there will be a second trip?